Encouragement for Dark Days

It was the Thursday morning after Hamas attacked Israel. I was laying in bed, lacking any motivation to do more than hide under the covers. There was such a darkness and heaviness to the atmosphere. So much uncertainty about the fate of Israel and the future of the world hung in the air and I couldn’t escape it. Delaying the inevitable morning routine before work, I scrolled on my phone. An MLB team had been eliminated the night before. A fan said, “I just wish that last batter had gone out swinging.” Interesting. I filed that away.

Seeking motivation, I listened to Dutch Sheets’ “Give Him 15” podcast that morning. His message? “Never give up.” Ok, Dutch. I still wasn’t feeling it, but it was at least enough to get me out of bed.

I walked to the kitchen and reached for a coffee mug. I don’t normally think God cares which coffee mug I drink from, but on this day, I felt him calling me to the white one with the cheerful confetti and cute font that read, “Sprinkle kindness like confetti.” It’s normally one of my favorite mugs, but not today.This mug represented the exact opposite mood from what I was feeling. It was too bright, too cheerful, and much too joyful. I wanted to throw it at the wall.

Then, it’s like I heard God say, “You’re always saying I designed you to reflect my joy. Go out swinging.” The words hit me hard. No one knows which day is their last. Any of us could be called Home today from a sudden accident or illness. We can’t let worldly events paralyze us in fear and rob us of our callings and destiny. Jesus may come back tomorrow or He may come back long after we’re gone. Only He knows. In the meantime, with whatever time we’re given, we need to use our gifts, heed our assignments, love everyone, and live the abundant life He’s called us to live.

You don’t know when it’s your last time to bat. Go out swinging.